‘Old habits’ return to early academies as A-level results slump
Research shows tail-off in performance at the first state schools granted new status
Alan Smithers
The smarter sex: Does it matter if girls do better than boys?
Despite all the attention, the gap between male and female achievement is still growing.
Ferguson predicts February return for Valencia
Sir Alex Ferguson today revealed Antonio Valencia could be back in action by the end of February.
Scandal of class divide at A-level
State schools in poor areas spurn traditional subjects to boost results
A-level passes set to hit peak – then questions will get tougher
With under 3 per cent likely to fail, this will be the 27th year in a row that marks have gone up
Oxbridge squeeze on triple-A students
More than 12,000 applicants rejected after record surge in A-level results
Shearer will gut squad – if he stays
Interim manager set to make decision on his future at Newcastle by tonight
The Big Question: Should children be taught in single-sex classrooms?
Because the new Schools minister, Sarah McCarthy-Fry, has called for more single-sex classes in schools, believing in particular that girls would learn from being taught science in single-sex classes – even in co-educational schools.
Dozens more GCSE courses approved
More than 180 GCSEs have been approved by England's new exams regulator for teaching from next year, it was announced today.
Milner request for move adds to intrigue at St James’ Park
Evidence of the sometimes conflicting agendas at the top at Newcastle United came yesterday when James Milner's written transfer request was made public by the club, one week after it was actually delivered to the hierarchy at St James' Park by the 22-year-old. The outcome may be that Milner joins Aston Villa for £9m, though Milner is unhappy with his pay at Newcastle, not the overall situation.
Grades slashed to fill science courses
Some of Britain's most prestigious universities have been forced to slash A-level requirements for science degrees by up to four grades as they struggle to fill unpopular courses.
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Government loses faith in growth of religious schools
The Government has decided against backing more faith schools, the Children, Schools and Families Secretary, Ed Balls, told MPs.
Alan Smithers: A new year of non-stop government initiatives
Another year, another education bill: this one compelling young people to remain in education or training until they turn 18. To pave the way, 17 diplomas for 14- to 18-year-olds are being introduced, the first five from September. Changes to curricula, qualifications, inspections and buildings are also due come into effect. Waiting in the wings is a 10-year children's concoction – not a plan – aimed at turning schools into centres for social services.